I love Pine. A lot. I loved it when I was little, and I love it now. I love watching my kids love it.
Todd and Taylor headed off to Scout Camp and I headed to Pine with what was left of my family and my fun grandmother. Pine is better when she’s with us.
We took a giant “bored” box with things for Paige to do. But, wouldn’t you know - we were so busy, we didn’t even need it.
We made several trips to the dry creek bed. I don’t know why, but it’s held a fascination to the kids in our family since I was one of the kids. Sitting under the bridge, looking out for creepy-crawlies, chasing butterflies, exploring. Just being outside.
Paige excitedly went off with her Grandma Marsha for the afternoon all to herself. While she was gone, I had Gabriel act as my model as I went about Grandma’s property taking pictures of all the things that held memories for me.
We started with what used to be the old chicken coop. I’ve never seen it used for chickens in my life time. Now it’s primary use is for housing old materials from past projects, old appliances and tools that are past their prime, and as a scenic backdrop for photos. I love the big tree that was perfectly planted there years ago by a squirrel.
Gabriel served as a great model – even if this was his favorite pose:
With Paige gone, Gabriel also got to have some one on one time with his Nana – they loved on each other, tickled, and read to his heart's content:
Nana was a good sport about his constant, “Ana! Ana! Wasssshhhhh!” (Nana! Nana! Watch!) until he got her undivided attention.
This evening picture of Grandma on the porch is one of my faves:
Other than the fact that Gabriel is the busiest boy I know, and on our first day there ran across the usually busy highway after a ball – it was a relaxing few days.
Did I mention I kind of love it there?
